Highlights....
Cairo • Pyramids • Memphis • Sakkara • Luxor
Valley of the Kings and Queens
Deluxe 4-Night Nile River Cruise • Aswan

Departs January 20, 2010

12 Days • 22 Meals:
10 Breakfasts • 4 Lunches • 8 Dinners

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend and lore as you view the timeless wonders of Egypt. Discover the world of the ancient Egyptians as you visit the incomparable sites of the pharaohs - Memphis and Sakkara, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor and Karnak temples and the tombs on the West Bank of ancient Thebes. Cruise along the legendary Nile River, pass colonnaded temples and stop at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, situated at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes. Return home with a new understanding of this mystical land.

Day 2: Cairo, Egypt
Gather for a special welcome reception and dinner this evening. Today dinner will be included.

Day 3: Cairo - Giza - Memphis - Sakkara - Cairo
This morning travel to nearby Giza to visit one of the seven ancient wonders of the world – the Pyramids of Giza. This afternoon, travel south to visit the site of ancient Memphis, with its 40-foot statue of Ramses II, and Sakkara, where you will see the oldest of all the pyramids, the Step pyramid. Return to the pyramids this evening for a captivating sound and light show. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 4: Cairo - Luxor
Spend the morning discovering the remarkable collections of the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, including statues, reliefs, sarcophagi and the treasures of the tomb of Tutankhamen. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor*. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 5: Luxor
Begin your tour of ancient Thebes as you cross over to the West Bank of the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the massive complex of the Temple of Karnak. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 6: Luxor - Board Cruise Ship
Return to the West Bank to visit the tombs in the Valley of Nobles and the well-preserved temple complex of Medinet Habu. Embark on your Nile cruise this afternoon. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 7: Luxor
Your ship sails in the early hours of the morning. Begin sailing down the mighty Nile, arriving in Esna. Continue sailing this afternoon toward Edfu. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 8: Edfu - Kom Ombo
This morning visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Following lunch, set sail for Kom Ombo, where you will tour the famous double sanctuary. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 9: Aswan
Arrive in the Nubian city of Aswan this morning and visit the ancient Philae Temple of Isis. Later, explore Nubian history and its environment with a visit to the Nubia Museum, known for its rich collection of artifacts showing the material culture of Nubia, from prehistory to present times. Your ship remains in Aswan overnight. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 10: Aswan - Disembark Cruise Ship
Disembark your ship this morning. You may choose an optional tour to Abu Simbel** and see the extraordinary temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II, which were moved to their present site during construction of the Aswan High Dam. Later, sail by traditional felucca to Kitchener Island for a stroll through the botanical gardens. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 11: Aswan - Heliopolis
Fly from Aswan to Cairo and check into your hotel in Heliopolis. Tonight enjoy a delightful farewell dinner and share your experiences with your fellow travelers! Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 12: Heliopolis - Tour Concludes
Today breakfast will be included.

Educational Highlights
in Egypt
Learn about ancient Egyptian history during lectures in Cairo and on board the cruise by your Egyptologist/National Guide, who will accompany you throughout your journey. With their guidance, you will: • Discover the roles of the pharaoh, religion, and art and architecture in ancient Egypt, from the pre-dynastic “Old Kingdom” through the achievements of the “New Kingdom” to the end of the dynastic period and the rule of the Greek Ptolemaic period, ending with the rule of Cleopatra.
• Explore the mystique behind the empire of the great builder and pharaoh, Ramses II and his wife Nefertari.
• Learn about the exciting recent archaeological finds in Egypt.
• Gain insight into the many differing tombs of the Valley of the Kings and hear about their site selection, tomb construction, rituals and symbolism.

Please Note: Air rate and schedule are applicable for groups of 10 or more traveling on the same flights and dates. Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing airfare with your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times. The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. *The internal flights on this program (from Cairo to Luxor, and Aswan to Cairo) are not included in the land price and must be purchased with the air portion of your vacation. Internal flights that are purchased will be ticketed and distributed on tour by your Tour Manager. Arrival and departure transfers to/from the airports in Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor for the tour and/or one pre night are included when purchasing Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures air. Each client is responsible for proper medical documentation and inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on this tour. Please contact your local travel clinic or personal physician for specific details on the destinations you are traveling to and from. Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures prides itself on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing sturdy walking shoes. In addition, temperatures on this tour can be very high, so bring adequate sun protection. Many days will have early departures for excursions to avoid the mid-day high temperatures. **You must reserve the optional excursion to Abu Simbel when you book your tour. Museum visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays. An entry Visa is required for this tour at your expense. The approximate cost for this Egypt visa is $20 USD and can be obtained at the airport upon arrival. Your Tour Manager will help you with the visa purchase. This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.